Writing truth in many different genres from novels, to poetry, to book reviews. . .

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Stress: The Bane of Life

Stress. It happens to me when my dream’s delayed. My husband sees it and says I’m eating myself. My fingernails are so short they can go no further, the side of my lip has a wound on it. When eating I overbite into my lower lip and there’s a sore on my elbow where I picked off some dry skin. Yes, stress can eat us up and destroys us from the outside while it works on us from the inside.

The remedy? For me, it’s continuing my daily activities, but taking rest breaks to garden, hike, and read. Gardening connects me with God’s provision as the earth shoots forth new life in its time and each insect, plant, bird, and animal contributes. Hiking works similarly but takes me out of my area into a place where I am the stranger. There, in the woods, my only job is to watch and listen. And as I do, God reminds me that He is great and I am small and that all will be well in His timing.

And finally, I read (or watch a good movie or TV show). Reading takes me away for awhile to a place where problems are solved or wrestled with, to a place of hope. For in truth it is hopelessness that leads to my stress. Once I see the way ahead, I relax. What am I reading? I’m finishing these two books which you wouldn’t think would be related, but they are:

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About Me

Diana Harkness earned degrees in Photography and Cinema, and Law before becoming an IT consultant. In 2006, business was booming but life was not working. A 3-year journey led to a new plan to do what she loved best: researching ancient times, spending time in the Ohio hills, and writing. She has written poetry, short stories, and essays while juggling two businesses and aged parents with the help of her supportive husband. She has completed her first work of historical fiction, a novel based on the life of the prophet, Elijah, who lived during the 9th Century BCE.